The shortest of the last words which Jesus spoke reveal the humanness of his suffering. They reveal his physical needs. We can all identify with the physical aspect of thirst, but there is also the spiritual aspects of thirst that drives our life that only Jesus can fill. We will also address how our willingness to help meet the physical needs of others will also us to address the spiritual needs as well.

Words of Humanity

God is holy and therefore he cannot look upon sin. While Jesus was hanging on the cross he took our sins upon himself and therefore, God had to abandon him at his darkest hour. Jesus became our substitute while hanging on the cross so that we could have a right relationship with God. Our sin separates us from God and brings a sense of loneliness and sometimes even abandonment. Because Jesus experienced loneliness and alienation from God while hanging on the cross, he can offer help to us when we experience loneliness and alienation.

Despite the pain and suffering Jesus was experiencing one of his main concerns was providing for the needs of his mother. Jesus has that same concern for us as well and has promised to provide for our needs as we trust him. Also, we are to love others just as Jesus did and seek to help and serve those in need that God brings our way. 

Words of Love and Compassion

Salvation is not found in what we do but is found in the person of Christ and the work he has done for us. One criminal demanded salvation for himself-the other acknowledged that he deserved the punishment he was getting. Yet, in humility asked for Jesus to remember him. Jesus words of certainty to him are also extended to us-we can be certain of our salvation here and now and one day being with Jesus in heaven.

Words of Certainty

All of us have a need for forgiveness. We all have done things that we should never have done and we all have not done some things that we should have. We have hurt those we love and those who love us. We all carry around guilt and shame because of our thoughts and our actions. We also do all kinds of things trying to get rid of our guilt-we go to church-we try to do better-we give money and help others. We hope that our good will outweigh our bad but we're never quite sure that we've done enough. Jesus offers forgiveness to us by the work that he accomplished for us. Even while hanging on the cross suffering at the hands of so many, his main concern was forgiveness. 

Words of Forgiveness

Jesus had eagerly looked forward to this Passover meal with His disciples. The Passover Meal looked back to the Exodus but it also looked forward to the coming Messiah. On this night Jesus would use this meal to explain what would take place the next day on the cross. We are instructed to share this meal together to remember and to proclaim His death until He returns.

Jesus Easts with the Disciples

Jesus joins his dear friend for a meal and uses this time to clarify some things for them and us. He said there are many things that you can and should do, but that there is really only one thing that you need to do. In a culture that values activity and accomplishment; Jesus makes it clear that we find more value in taking time to be with God and others. Relationships matter more than accomplishments. 

Jesus Eats with Mary and Martha 

Jesus is invited to share a rare meal with a Pharisee named Simon. An uninvited prostitute showed up and anointed Jesus’ feet with perfume. Simon silently expresses his disgust as Jesus allowed this to happen. Jesus, knowing Simon’s heart uses this occasion to discuss the issue of hospitality and forgiveness. 

Jesus Eats with a Pharisee and a Prostitute